Yule- a time of renewal

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Ancient teachers told a story of death and re-newel at this time of year as a reminder that spring is coming, and following every death, there is rebirth. We are most familiar with the Christian archetypes, although this story is echoed in many traditions and cultures.

A Virgin conceives from the visitation of an angel. (The earth is a virgin because she has no consort. All of matter-root word of mother- is first impregnated with spirit to gain sentience and purpose.) She is persecuted and protected by a gentle, wise man, Joseph. The couple escape into Egypt.  (New ideas must be protected and sheltered with kindness. Then they must incubate in isolation. The egg develops inside a shell, the foetus develops inside the womb.)
All other babes are murdered by an evil, old king. (The past and all possible futures must be released. Commitment to the present is essential.) A star appears in the East. (East is the place of new beginnings. The star represents guidance towards a light filled journey.) The birth takes place among animals and poor, simple people are the first to recognize the new saviour. (The birth of new awareness is always in the mundane, in the moment. The extraordinary is found in among the ordinary. The barn animals represent our connection with all other beings)
Eventually Kings find the new child and honour his presence with gifts. (Eventually the new awareness will be integrated into the existing world. Gifts are given as signs of commitment to the new consciousness.)

This Yule time don’t despair at the commerciality of the festivals and rituals. Remember the essence of the season- the enactment of death of the old and re-birth of the new. Devise ways that are meaningful for you to celebrate these universal themes.

Try This!

1)      This Yule time dedicate yourself to honouring death and re-birth in your own personal life. A ritual, recording a story from your life, telling a friend about when you overcame a small death, your darkest moment and how you triumphed.

2)      Dedicated yourself to the death and re-birth of relationships in your life. The ones who have gone before, the ones yet to come. Strengthen existing relationships with a card, a visit, a prayer.


3)      This season celebrate the honouring of our beautiful home, the earth, with a humble acceptance of our entwined lives with all beings in the three worlds-plant, inanimate and animal. A ritual, a reminder of interconnection, a prayer for the development of new consciousness in the world despite wide spread suffering and loss.

I wish you all peace and good will towards all.

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